Politics and Religion

One of my friends is running for political office; with God's help we hope to see a victory in just a few more days. I have been actively helping him for the past two months as a campaign volunteer. As I have observed and considered the process, I have noticed some similarities between politics and Christianity.

First, being involved in either is a volunteer position. I guess the really big campaigns can afford to hire some full-time people to run things, but most campaigns are run by volunteers. Even in the large campaigns, most of the work is done at the grass roots level by volunteers.

Similarly, those who decide to serve God do so voluntarily. God doesn't force them, but He gladly accepts all who desire to serve Him and all who dedicate themselves to His service. "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Romans 12:1).

Second, being involved in either brings the risk of attack. Things started out pretty smoothly for our campaign. Activities progressed calmly and on schedule. As the election drew nearer, however, the attacks, lies, and accusations started, and they have intensified as the day of reckoning is imminent.

Likewise, the Christian life is not without attacks. Things may start out well, and there may be calm and peaceful stretches in the believer's life. Attacks will come, however, especially when decisions are required. Those who take a stand will be criticized and maligned. As the Day of Reckoning draws nearer, those attacks will continue to intensify. "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (II Timothy 3:12).

Third, in both realms, there is a victory coming. There is a day when the ballots will be cast and a champion will be announced. In the political world, the outcome is often in question. Sometimes there is a surprise result that stuns the pundits and mocks the pollsters.

In the spiritual realm, the victor is certain. The day is coming when the contest will be declared over. God will win, and all those who serve Him will win with Him. There is no question, no doubt, and no uncertainty - and for those who know Christ, no surprise. "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20).

Fourth, there are differing levels of involvement in both the political and the spiritual worlds. As I consider my friend, I see various responses from those who would declare to be "on his side." Some would verbally assent to supporting him; they might even wish for things to go well, but no supportive actions follow. Some will show up on election day and vote for him, provided they aren't too busy with other things. Others will be more committed voters; they are absolutely determined that nothing will stop them from casting their vote, but the vote itself is their only visible support.

Beyond these supporters who are limited primarily to a verbal commitment, there are others who are more involved - the volunteers. Even within that group, there are varying levels of activity. Some show up to help a few times, while others come faithfully week after week. Some give two or three hours; others give twenty or thirty. Some show up enough to fulfill their civic duty, while others are there rain, cold, wind, snow, or shine. (Yes, we went out on days when the temperature was below freezing as well as in the midst of a five-inch snowstorm.)

I know that people have varying lives; some people have more free time or fewer commitments than others. Some have family or ministry responsibilities that prevent frequent involvement. Those factors aside, I believe there is a significant factor that determines how involved people are. Some volunteer out of a sense of duty or obligation; others have a compulsion and motivation to help. Those who are doing their duty will perform a token number of tasks, but those who are inspired by the candidate and motivated by his message will be as involved as they possibly can.

That precisely describes the Christian life. Some are verbal, or nominal, Christians. They claim the name of Christ. They check His name on the ballot, so to speak. They sign up as being on His side, but their lives do little if anything to show that they are His followers.

Then there are the Christian volunteers. Some are motivated by a sense of duty. They know what a good Christian is supposed to do, and they do it often enough to give an indication that they are following God. Some attend church (or read their Bible or pray or perform other acts of service) unless it's too cold, too snowy, or they are too tired. Others faithfully serve God at every opportunity. Acquaintances cannot know them without knowing they are on God's side. They advertise Him constantly by their words and by their lives.

What makes the difference? It's all about the heart. Those who have given their hearts fully to God and who are convinced that He is the most important aspect of their lives will overflow with service to Him. Unlike the Christians who perform a limited number of obligatory activities out of duty, a Christian who is inspired by his Savior and motivated by His message will live a life that is constantly promoting God. He will be as involved as he possibly can be, because his service flows from a heart that is deeply devoted to God.

"I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart" (Psalm 40:8).